Help with ID/Circa of the beautiful buttons

[kate lalor]

Hello Sewing Button Folks - need your expertise on identifying these gorgeous Abalone (at least I think they are Abalone) buttons with animal motif - have a metal shank on the back.  I've  have done research on the web but can't find any info except for dates when animal motifs were starting to be used .. but mostly brass, etc.  Tell me what you think.  As always, thank you for looking.

 

   

[Peg M.]

could we see a picture of one of the backs?

[kate lalor]

Sorry Peg --- I forgot to send a pic of the back.   Here they are.  I just want to compliment you on your pics of your buttons - the photographs are great  - professional to say the least.  :)thanks for looking

[Peg M.]

thank you

these are interesting..I haven't  seen them before..I wonder if they started life as buttons? can you see glue around the shanks? and do I see a small circle on each center of the fronts?

wonder if the designs are maybe? some of the chinese zodiac

oh..welcome to the group!

 

[kate lalor]

Good question if they started life as a button ... never thought about that concept.  Yes, the metal shanks are glued on the back, as far as the front there is a small circle in mid center of animal back .. I also thought about Chinese Zodiac .. year of the Rat and year of the Rabbit .. those are the only two animal motifs.  Thanks for looking and sharing your thoughts - always gives me another perspective to consider.  Thanks again:)

[kate lalor]

FYI Button Forum ... the small circle on each center is part of the shank inserted through the back and attached accordingly.  I'm searching for Japanned buttons info as it looks like the shell was painted and then creature was reverse painted.  If I find anything definite I will certainly share.  :)